Underwood top winner at American Country Awards

[December 07, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- When it comes to Las Vegas, Carrie Underwood is a sure bet.

Underwood won her second country music artist of the year award of 2010 in Sin City on Monday night. She earned it at the inaugural American Country Awards about eight months after she won the top honor at the Academy of Country Music Awards in April.

In both cases, fans determined the winner. And when it comes to fan support, Underwood has no match. Her fans vote early and often -- a holdover from her time as "American Idol" champion -- and she made sure to give a shoutout to her supporters after winning six awards.

"We have had the most amazing year out on the road but we wouldn't be doing anything if there weren't people out there sitting in that audience," Underwood said from the stage at the MGM Grand, where the ACMs also are held. "So to everybody that came out to see us (or) anybody else out here, you guys are awesome for supporting us like you do. God bless the fans."

Lady Antebellum took home four Fender Stratocasters given out as trophies and Easton Corbin finished with three wins, including breakthrough artist of the year. The two acts were tied for the most nominations with seven.

Along with artist of the year, Underwood won album of the year for "Play On" and tour of the year.

Lady A won single of the year for the trio's breakthrough, "Need You Now," and artist of the year: duo or group. Brad Paisley was voted male artist of the year and Blake Shelton and host Trace Adkins won music video of the year.

The show was performance-heavy and featured Rascal Flatts and Alan Jackson performing medleys of their hits after tributes, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan teaming up on "My Kinda Party," and Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Josh Turner and The Band Perry playing recent hits.

Adkins opened the show by declining to wear a pair of "meat chaps" offered by the show's producers, a la Lady Gaga's meat dress, in a pre-taped comedy skit. He also appeared to skip the monologue.

"It's a live show," Adkins said. "What are they going to do? They can't fire me right in the middle of it, right?

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[Associated Press; By CHRIS TALBOTT]

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